1. What is Intimacy?
   Intimacy is a wide umbrella term that includes a variety of content with emotional or physical contact or nudity. It can include simulated sexual action, nudity, partial nudity, kissing, bodily function scenes, simulated sexual assault or harassment, physical touch, familial intimacy, medical examinations, childbirth, and so much more. Ultimately, intimacy is individual and what one considers as an intimate act might differ from the other. Performers in intimate scenes engage both physically and emotionally with the story/ characters and this involves connecting both movement, breath, and voice. To support the actor’s approach to realise these moments that best serve the characters and the story, is often in itself intimate. Performing any type of intimacy should not be assumed of actors or performers.
   
   
2. What do Intimacy Coordinators do?
   Intimacy Coordinator’s work focuses on managing intimacy levels and instructing movement and anatomy through consent-based practices. By creating a brave space, ICs help artists to focus on the storytelling and perform these scenes to the best of their abilities. IC’s open and hold conversations and help establish intimacy dramaturgy that best serves the story. Intimacy Coordinators help facilitate the action for the camera/ audience and they ultimately play an important role in moving stories and character journeys forward. Using established intimacy protocols and rigorous documentation, IC’s provide clarity and structure for working with intimacy. This process provides an opportunity for open communication, integrity and consistency for not only the cast but also the entire production team.
   
   
3. When should you engage an Intimacy Coordinator on your production?
   Intimacy Coordinator is a Head of Department (HOD) for intimacy within a production and they should be brought in during pre-production. The preparation requires the same amount of time as any other department head requires for theirs, starting with breaking down the script, having creative conversations with the director and collaborations with different departments. Time allows the Intimacy Coordinator to establish a collaborative relationship with the production and assess its needs. In some productions that intimacy plays a key part in the story, IC can be brought in already during the casting process. Hiring an IC early enough, allows them to be more proactive instead of reactive which is also a crucial part of risk management.
   
   
4.   What scenes do Intimacy Coordinators need to be present for?Intimacy Coordinators are present for wide variety of scenes with emotional or physical contact or nudity. In addition to the intimate content mentioned in Question 1, the need for an Intimacy Coordinator may depend on the individual’s age, experience in the industry, and comfort levels. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to artists and scenes, therefore, it is considered best practice for the production to always consult the Intimacy Coordinator to determine when an IC is needed.

5. What are the benefits of working with an Intimacy Coordinator?
   While safety can never be fully guaranteed, Intimacy Coordinator brings a clear structure and process that fosters trust. Through the upholding of consent and boundaries, they help to build a creative and collaborative space. With intimacy choreography, IC can support artistic choices and character-driven impulses — allowing for well-defined storytelling and more nuanced performances. In addition to creating visually compelling scenes in collaboration with the cast and director, one of the Intimacy Coordinator’s key tasks is to ensure an effective communication. IC informs and collaborates closely with other departments to ensure a smooth process for working with intimate scenes. Using intimacy protocols and documentation, the IC sets clear expectations for the process, ensures mutual understanding of agreements, and supports on-going consent for cast and crew.

6. What is the difference between Intimacy Coordinator, Harassment Contact Person and Wellbeing Practitioner*?
   Intimacy Coordinator is a creative practitioner with wide variety of training in collaborative process, movement and storytelling as well as in advocacy, leadership and wellbeing. Harassment Contact Person is a support person who you can turn to, if you feel like you have been harassed by someone at work. Harassment contact person listens, supports, guides and possibly refers you forward in case of harassment cases. Wellbeing Practitioner is a mental health and conflict resolution professional with experience of creative industries and may be hired for example for scenes of intense or emotionally challenging content e.g. suffering, injuries, and depictions of substance abuse or mental health crisis. Intimacy Coordinators often work in conjunction with Wellbeing Practitioners, Stunt Coordinators, Medics, Cultural Advisors and other specialists.

7. Can I train as an Intimacy Coordinator?
   Absolutely. IC work requires holding space and navigating sometimes challenging conversations, therefore, it is good to understand that Intimacy Coordinator’s role is not an entry-level position. Prior experience on set is a requirement for all aspiring ICs. Intimacy Coordinators most commonly come from backgrounds such as acting, directing, movement etc. Previous training in movement and confident use of movement language before joining IC training is useful. You can read more about NIC IC training program on the page IC Training Program.

Please do your research on variety of training providers to understand the differences between the programs and what suits your needs best at this time. You can find SAG-AFTRA accredited training providers here.

*Wellbeing Practitioner is a developing role in the Nordic regions.